Maine has one of the finest concentrations of bed and breakfasts in New England. From grand Victorian sea captains’ homes on the midcoast to cozy farmhouse inns in the western mountains, Maine’s B&Bs offer an intimate lodging experience that defines the character of a visit to the state. This guide covers the best bed and breakfasts in Maine by region.
Bed and Breakfasts in Midcoast Maine
The midcoast is the heartland of Maine’s B&B scene. Camden alone has more than a dozen B&Bs within walking distance of the harbor, ranging from modest to luxurious. The Hartstone Inn on Elm Street is one of the most celebrated — known for its exceptional breakfasts and culinary classes taught by the innkeepers. The Camden Harbour Inn is a boutique property perched above the harbor with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and one of Maine’s finest restaurants. Whitehall in Camden is a historic inn with deep roots in the town’s literary history — it’s where Edna St. Vincent Millay first publicly recited “Renascence” in 1912.
In Belfast, the Jeweled Turret Inn is one of the most distinctive B&Bs in Maine — an ornate 1898 Victorian with seven individually decorated guest rooms, each named after a gemstone. The inn sits in Belfast’s historic residential district within walking distance of the waterfront and downtown. The Penobscot Bay area also has numerous smaller inns and B&Bs tucked into the peninsulas between the bays — properties that reward those who seek them out.
Bed and Breakfasts in Bar Harbor & Acadia
Bar Harbor has one of the most concentrated B&B scenes in Maine — dozens of beautifully restored Victorian homes throughout the town offer intimate alternatives to the larger resort hotels. The town’s B&Bs range from simple rooms in historic homes to luxurious suites with harbor views and gourmet breakfasts. Most are within walking distance of the Village Green, the waterfront, and the Acadia National Park entrance. Book well in advance for July and August — Bar Harbor’s most popular B&Bs fill months ahead for peak season.
The Balance Rock Inn on Albert Meadow is one of Bar Harbor’s premier boutique properties — a grand 1903 shingle-style estate with sweeping harbor views, a heated pool, and service that rivals any full-service hotel on the island. The Cleftstone Manor and the Holbrook House are other well-regarded Bar Harbor B&Bs in historic properties steps from the park.
Bed and Breakfasts in Southern Maine
Southern Maine’s B&B scene is anchored by Kennebunkport, which has one of the highest concentrations of upscale inns and B&Bs in the state. The Captain Lord Mansion is Kennebunkport’s most celebrated B&B — a Federal-style mansion built in 1812 with 20 individually decorated rooms and one of the most extensive breakfasts in Maine. The White Barn Inn is a Relais & Châteaux property combining B&B intimacy with world-class dining. The Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club offers a more contemporary take on the Kennebunkport inn experience.
Ogunquit has a strong selection of B&Bs catering to its mix of beach visitors and arts community regulars. The Beachmere Inn sits on a rocky bluff above the Atlantic steps from the Marginal Way with sweeping ocean views. The Hartwell House Inn on Shore Road is a classic Ogunquit B&B known for its beautifully landscaped grounds and elegant rooms.
Bed and Breakfasts in Western Maine
Western Maine’s B&B scene is more rustic and less concentrated than the coast, but several exceptional properties reward those who venture inland. The Bethel Inn Resort in Bethel is the grande dame of western Maine lodging — a historic resort with B&B-style rooms, a golf course, and access to Sunday River. The Rangeley Lakes region has several classic sporting camp-style inns that function much like B&Bs, offering home-cooked breakfasts, lake access, and deep knowledge of the region’s fishing and outdoor recreation.
Maine Bed and Breakfast — Tips for Booking
Maine’s most popular B&Bs in Bar Harbor, Camden, and Kennebunkport book out months in advance for summer weekends — particularly July 4th through Labor Day. For peak season visits, aim to book 3–6 months ahead. The shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) offer better availability and often lower rates, with weather that many experienced Maine visitors consider ideal. Most Maine B&Bs have minimum stay requirements of 2–3 nights on summer weekends.
Maine’s B&Bs are represented by the Maine Tourism Association and the Maine Innkeepers Association. Many properties are also members of Select Registry, a quality-assurance program for independent inns and B&Bs across North America. For vacation rentals and cottage accommodations, see MaineVacationRentals.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bed and breakfast in Maine?
Maine has dozens of exceptional B&Bs. The Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunkport, Hartstone Inn in Camden, Balance Rock Inn in Bar Harbor, and Jeweled Turret Inn in Belfast are consistently among the most highly rated. The best B&B for you depends on which region of Maine you’re visiting and what experience you’re seeking — coastal views, culinary focus, historic architecture, or wilderness setting.
Where are the best bed and breakfasts in Maine?
The highest concentrations of B&Bs in Maine are in Bar Harbor, Camden, Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit. These four towns together account for the majority of Maine’s most celebrated inn and B&B properties. Belfast and Rockland on the midcoast are also excellent for B&B lodging with fewer crowds than the more popular destinations.
How far in advance should I book a Maine B&B?
For July and August at popular destinations like Bar Harbor and Camden, book 3–6 months in advance. For shoulder season visits in May–June or September–October, 4–8 weeks is usually sufficient for most properties. Last-minute availability exists but is unreliable at the most popular inns during peak season.